Google Android Delayed Until 2009: Google Saga Continues

Ah, the Android. Has a single cell phone platform ever created so much conflict?

The latest round of emotion comes over reports -- yes, new ones -- that Google's mobile offering is being delayed once again. This time, a Web site called Barron's Tech Trader Daily published a note from an equity firm saying handset maker HTC is having "structural problems" integrating Android into its devices. As such, the note implies, the phones could be pushed back until early 2009. The document quotes some unnamed "contacts" as revealing the news.

Yawn. This is starting to feel like a slightly more spread out version of the Microsoft-Yahoo merger: a new development every five seconds, none of them with any real substance or validity.

Here's the thing: Google swears its phone is on-track. Not to say that a note on a blog from a company quoting some guy isn't reliable...but there seems to be no other indication that anything's changed.

Google, on its part, issued the exact same statement -- word for word -- that it issued back in June when The Wall Street Journal raised questions about Android's timetable:

"We remain on schedule to deliver the first Android-based handset this year and we're very excited to see the momentum continuing to build behind the Android platform among carriers, handset manufacturers, developers and consumers."

HTC also sent a response, according to The Unwired, echoing the claim that the rumors were not true and that its Android unit is expected to launch before the end of '08.

Google's platform has taken a lot of flak, and not just in delay debates. Plenty of carriers have cringed at the idea of giving up control of data services -- a core part of Android's model -- and have expressed interest in using their own branded services instead. Application developers have also complained about the lack of communication and clear standards compared to other platforms, such as the iPhone. Just a couple of weeks ago, a group of programmers started a petition calling for an updated public software development kit (SDK) -- or at least some indication of when it would be available.

Now, Google's never been known for its communication skills -- just try getting technical support -- but love 'em or hate 'em, in the end, the G-Team does have a strong record of success with its products. It'll be interesting to see if Android is able to sidestep the controversy and come out strong, or if Google will fall flat on its face with this one. Either way, one thing's for sure: This won't be the last Android rumor we hear...so keep your BS filter handy.

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